Spain sends 500 troops to fight wildfires amid prolonged heatwave

Spain Mobilizes Additional Troops to Combat Escalating Wildfires

Spain is increasing its military presence to combat a surge in wildfires that have devastated dry woodlands during an extended period of extreme heat. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of 500 additional soldiers, bringing the total number of troops on wildfire duty to over 1,400. This decision comes as authorities face significant challenges in controlling forest fires, particularly in the northwestern Galicia region.

The situation in Galicia has become increasingly dire, with firefighters currently managing 12 major wildfires near the city of Ourense. Alfonso Rueda, head of the Galician regional government, highlighted that homes remain at risk, leading to lockdowns and ongoing evacuations. The region has been battling these flames for more than a week, with no signs of immediate relief.

High temperatures continue to exacerbate the crisis, with some areas in Spain expected to reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The national weather agency AEMET reported that Cordoba hit the same temperature the previous day. On social media platform X, AEMET warned that the danger of wildfires remains extreme across most of the country due to the unusually high temperatures.

This year alone, wildfires in Spain have burned approximately 390,000 acres—an area equivalent to metropolitan London—according to the EU's European Forest Fire Information System. Climate change is playing a significant role in this escalating issue, as Europe has warmed twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s. Scientists warn that rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, making regions like Spain more vulnerable.

International Support Arrives to Aid Spain’s Firefighting Efforts

Spain is awaiting reinforcements from other European countries as part of a cooperative agreement. Two Dutch water-dumping planes are expected to join aircraft from France and Italy already assisting Spanish authorities. Additionally, firefighters from other nations are anticipated to arrive in the coming days, according to Virginia Barcones, chief of Spain’s Civil Protection Agency.

Despite these efforts, the strain on resources remains evident. National rail operator Renfe has suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the ongoing fires. Galician authorities have also advised residents to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities to avoid exposure to smoke and ash.

Portugal Faces Similar Challenges

Portugal is also grappling with severe wildfires, with cooler weather expected after a series of intense blazes. A national state of alert was enacted on August 2 and was set to end on Sunday. The arrival of two Swedish firefighting planes was expected shortly thereafter.

Like Spain, Portugal has stretched its firefighting resources thin. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters, 1,300 vehicles, and 17 aircraft were deployed to combat the fires. Preliminary data from the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests shows that the scorched area in Portugal this year is 17 times greater than in 2024, covering around 340,000 acres.

Widespread Impact Across Europe

Other European countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania, have also requested assistance from the EU’s firefighting force. This year, the force has been activated as many times as it was during the entire summer fire season of last year.

Turkey’s Gallipoli Region Evacuated Amid Wildfires

In Turkey, wildfires have claimed 19 lives and led to the evacuation of parts of the historic Gallipoli region, which includes memorials from World War I. Six villages were evacuated as a precaution, according to the governor of Canakkale province, Omer Toraman.

Over 1,300 firefighting personnel and 30 aircraft are working to contain the blaze, while visitor facilities at Gallipoli have been closed. The area, known for its cemeteries and battle remnants, remains under threat as the fires spread.

Turkey has experienced hundreds of wildfires since late June, fueled by record-breaking temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds. The situation highlights the growing challenge of managing wildfires in a changing climate.